How to Conquer the Skull Cavern in Stardew Valley
The Skull Cavern in Stardew Valley is the ultimate source of Iridium, the most powerful material in the game. However, it’s also a treacherous place filled with powerful mobs that can quickly deplete your health. In this guide, we’ll show you how to not only survive but thrive in the Skull Cavern and reach level 100 for the best rewards.
What is the Skull Cavern and How to Get There in Stardew Valley
Before we dive into the strategies, let’s learn more about the Skull Cavern and how to access it. Situated in the northwestern part of the Calico Forest, the Skull Cavern becomes available once you unlock the Calico Desert. Unlike the Mines, there is no elevator system, so you’ll always start from floor 1.
As you go deeper into the Skull Cavern, the rewards become increasingly valuable. By reaching level 100 and continuing further, you’ll encounter abundant Iridium nodes and secret treasure rooms. If you complete Qi’s Challenge and read Secret Note #10, you’ll even discover Qi’s secret room at level 100, where he rewards you with Iridium Snake Milk, granting a permanent +25 Health.
How to Get to and Survive Level 100 in the Skull Cavern
Now that we understand the allure of the Skull Cavern, let’s discuss how to prepare for this daunting challenge. Here are the essential items and strategies to help you reach level 100:
Best Inventory for the Skull Cavern
Recommended Pickaxe: The Iridium Pickaxe is the ultimate tool for the Skull Cavern. However, if you haven’t obtained it yet, the Gold Pickaxe can also suffice, although it will take two hits to destroy rocks.
Recommended Weapon: Swords are the only viable weapons in the Skull Cavern. The Galaxy Sword and Infinity Blade offer the best performance, but the Lava Katana from the Adventurer’s Guild can also get you through to level 100.
Recommended Food: Stock up on food for healing. Cooked dishes like Omelets or gold quality Cheese are excellent choices. While Omelets are easy to make with Milk and Eggs and restore 45 Health and 100 Energy, gold quality Cheese recovers 101 HP. Choose based on your farming progress and availability of ingredients.
Recommended Food Buff: Opt for either Luck or Speed buffs. Speed buffs like Coffee or Triple Shot Espresso will enhance your agility, while Luck buffs like Magic Rock Candy can increase your chances of finding rare items. A versatile option is Spicy Eel, which grants +1 Speed and +1 Luck.
Recommended Tools/Items: To navigate the cavern efficiently, bring around 50 Bombs to clear rocks and discover ladders. Staircases are useful for quickly progressing to lower levels. Additionally, be sure to have Warp Totem: Farm and Warp Totem: Desert for convenient travel between locations.
By preparing these essential items and following the strategies outlined above, you’ll have a much higher chance of conquering the Skull Cavern and reaching level 100. Good luck!